Table of Contents
- The 1946 Royal Navy Revolt: Solidarity Amid Sharpening Polarisation GS I
- India, France Renew Defence Cooperation for 10 Years GS II
- Two Digital Initiatives to Boost Health AI Ecosystem — SAHI & BODH GS II / III
- Iran Briefly Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid U.S.–Iran Nuclear Talks GS II
- Black Boxes & Air Crash Investigation GS III
- Framework to Regulate AI in Healthcare GS II / III
- AI Glasses for Visually Impaired: “Seeing Through Sound” GS II / III
The 1946 Royal Navy Revolt: Solidarity Amid Sharpening Polarisation
2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the Royal Indian Navy Revolt (Feb 18–23, 1946) — a major anti-colonial uprising by Indian naval ratings against British authority. It began as a hunger strike over food, pay, and racial discrimination but quickly evolved into a political challenge to colonial rule with mass civilian support. At its peak, it involved ~20,000 ratings, 78 ships, and 20 shore establishments.
- Poor food & living conditions
- Racial discrimination by British officers
- Low pay for Indian ratings
- Inspiration from INA trials
- Post-WWII economic distress
- ~20,000 ratings involved
- 78 ships + 20 establishments
- Duration: 5 days
- Spread: Bombay → Karachi, Madras, Kolkata, Cochin, Andamans
- Hindu–Muslim–Left unity
- Flags of Congress, ML & CPI raised
- Joint hartals & processions
- Workers, students joined
- ~200 civilian deaths
- Shook British military confidence
- Psychological turning point
- Overshadowed by Partition
Key Dimensions
Freedom Struggle: Anti-colonial nationalism entered the armed forces, shaking British confidence. Along with INA trials and Quit India aftermath, it convinced Britain that governing India by force was untenable.
Political: Not centrally led by Congress or Muslim League — reflected spontaneous grassroots nationalism. National leadership’s cautious stance limited escalation, preferring negotiated transfer of power.
Social / Communal: Display of Hindu–Muslim unity — Muslim localities and Hindu mill districts both became centres of resistance. Contrasts sharply with communal violence of 1946–47.
Labour / Class: Strong participation from textile workers, students, and urban poor. Linked military protest with working-class anti-colonial mobilisation.
Security: Ratings manned ship guns and exchanged fire with British troops. British deployed army battalions, armoured vehicles, and machine guns. ~200 civilian casualties.
- Integrate RIN revolt more strongly into textbooks and public memory
- Encourage research on military–labour linkages in decolonisation
- Use as example of plural solidarity in divided societies
- Year: 1946 (Feb 18–23)
- Started at HMIS Talwar, Bombay
- Lasted 5 days
- Involved ~20,000 ratings, 78 ships
- Spread to Karachi, Madras, Kolkata, Cochin, Andamans
- Linked to INA trials
- Not officially led by INC or Muslim League
- Occurred before Cabinet Mission Plan (1946)
1. It was officially led by the Indian National Congress.
2. It involved approximately 20,000 naval ratings.
3. Ratings raised flags of Congress, Muslim League, and Communist Party.
Select the correct answer:
“The Royal Indian Navy Revolt of 1946 was more than a mutiny; it was a political signal of collapsing colonial authority.” Discuss its causes, nature, and historical significance.
India, France Renew Defence Cooperation for 10 Years
India and France renewed their defence cooperation agreement for 10 years (2026–2036) at the 6th Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru, signalling long-term strategic alignment in Indo-Pacific security. India sought up to 50% indigenous content in Rafale jets and a JV MoU between BEL and Safran to manufacture HAMMER munitions in India.
- Partnership since 1998
- Multipolar world order
- Rules-based maritime order
- France = resident Indo-Pacific power
- NSG, UNSC reform support
- 50% indigenous content target
- BEL–Safran HAMMER JV
- Local MRO facilities
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat alignment
- ₹35,000 Cr export target
- 36 Rafale jets (€7.87B)
- 6 Scorpene submarines (₹23,562 Cr)
- Shakti engines (Safran + HAL)
- Varuna — Navy
- Garuda — Air Force
- Shakti — Army
Data Snapshot — India’s Arms Imports (SIPRI 2018–22)
| Supplier | Share of India’s Imports | Key Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | ~45% | S-400, Sukhoi, T-90 |
| France | ~29% | Rafale, Scorpene, HAMMER |
| United States | ~11% | C-130J, Apache, Chinook |
Critical Analysis
High-value deals still face limited Transfer of Technology (ToT) depth due to IP/export controls. Indigenous absorption depends on MSME ecosystem and R&D capacity. Costly Western platforms risk budgetary pressure if localisation targets fail.
- Move from platform purchase → joint design & R&D
- Integrate French firms in Tamil Nadu & UP defence corridors
- Expand to AI warfare, drones, cyber, and space defence
- Use partnership as bridge to wider India–EU defence cooperation
- India–France Strategic Partnership: 1998
- Rafale manufacturer: Dassault Aviation
- France share in India’s arms imports: ~29% (SIPRI 2018–22)
- Varuna = Navy; Garuda = Air Force; Shakti = Army
- Scorpene submarines built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
- HAMMER = Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range
- France is a resident Indo-Pacific power (~7,000 troops)
1. Varuna — Air Force
2. Garuda — Navy
3. Shakti — Army
Which of the above is/are correctly matched?
“India–France defence cooperation reflects India’s shift from buyer–seller relations to capability partnerships.” Analyse its strategic, technological, and industrial significance.
Two Digital Initiatives to Boost Health AI Ecosystem — SAHI & BODH
Union Health Ministry launched SAHI (Secure AI for Health Initiative) and BODH (Benchmarking Open Data for Health AI) at the India AI Impact Summit, signalling a structured push for ethical and evidence-based AI in healthcare.
What is SAHI?
National framework for ethical, transparent, and accountable AI in healthcare. Ensures data privacy, consent-based usage, algorithmic accountability, and bias mitigation. Functions as policy compass + governance architecture for Health-AI adoption.
What is BODH?
Platform to benchmark, test, and validate AI models using structured datasets before deployment. Focus on performance, reliability, and real-world readiness. Promotes collaboration between government, academia, and innovators.
Key Dimensions
Governance: Introduces pre-deployment validation norms, reducing risk of unsafe or untested AI tools in healthcare. Supports evidence-based policymaking.
Health System: AI enables early diagnosis, predictive analytics, telemedicine, and resource optimisation. Helps address India’s doctor–patient ratio gaps (~1:834 vs WHO norm 1:1000).
Ethical: Addresses risks of data misuse, bias, opacity, and exclusion. Protects patient rights via consent-based frameworks.
- Create independent Health-AI regulatory and audit bodies
- Strengthen data protection compliance under DPDP Act
- Invest in AI literacy for doctors and health workers
- Ensure inclusion of rural and marginalised populations in datasets
- SAHI = Secure AI for Health Initiative
- BODH = Benchmarking Open Data for Health AI
- ABDM launched in 2020
- National Health Policy year = 2017
- Health is a State subject (Entry 6, State List)
- Global AI-health market projected $180B+ by 2030
1. It was launched in 2020.
2. It creates digital health IDs and registries.
3. Health is a Union subject under the Constitution.
Select the correct answer:
“Responsible AI governance is essential for digital health transformation.” Discuss the significance of SAHI and BODH in building a trustworthy AI-enabled health ecosystem in India.
Iran Briefly Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid U.S.–Iran Nuclear Talks
Iran briefly threatened restriction of the Strait of Hormuz during sensitive nuclear negotiations with the United States. The strait handles ~20% of global oil trade and ~25–30% of LNG flows, making any disruption a major global energy-security risk.
- ~33 km wide (narrowest)
- Connects Persian Gulf → Gulf of Oman
- Iran (north), Oman/UAE (south)
- ~20% global oil trade
- ~17–20M barrels/day
- ~80% of Asia-bound Gulf oil
- Qatar LNG exports depend on it
- Imports ~85% crude needs
- Large share from Gulf
- Chabahar Port investment
- Strategic Petroleum Reserves
- Diaspora safety in Gulf
- UNCLOS transit passage rights
- US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain
- Risk of miscalculation
- Iran uses as bargaining tool
Key Data Points
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Width (narrowest) | ~33 km |
| Oil transit | ~20% of global consumption |
| Daily flow | ~17–20 million barrels/day |
| Asia-bound Gulf oil | ~80% transits Hormuz |
| India crude import dependency | ~85% |
| 2019 tanker attacks price spike | 10–15% |
- Diversify energy imports and accelerate renewables transition
- Strengthen Indian Navy’s mission-based deployments in IOR
- Expand strategic petroleum reserves
- Promote diplomatic de-escalation in West Asia
- Support multilateral maritime-security frameworks
- Connects Persian Gulf to Gulf of Oman
- Handles ~1/5th global oil trade
- Bordered by Iran & Oman/UAE
- US Fifth Fleet operates from Bahrain
- Qatar LNG exports depend heavily on Hormuz
- Transit passage concept under UNCLOS
- Chabahar Port gives India access to Afghanistan/Central Asia
1. Approximately one-fifth of global oil trade passes through it.
2. It is bordered by Iran on the north and Saudi Arabia on the south.
3. Under UNCLOS, it allows transit passage for international navigation.
Select the correct answer:
“Maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz are geopolitical pressure valves in global politics.” Discuss their strategic importance and implications for India’s energy security.
Black Boxes & Air Crash Investigation
After a recent air crash in Maharashtra, both black boxes (DFDR + CVR) were recovered and sent for analysis. Despite severe damage and fire exposure, recorders are designed to survive high-impact crashes, making them the most reliable evidence source for investigation.
Two Components of a “Black Box”
| Component | Full Name | Records | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DFDR | Digital Flight Data Recorder | Altitude, airspeed, heading, engine performance, 1000+ parameters | 25+ hours |
| CVR | Cockpit Voice Recorder | Pilot conversations, radio transmissions, alarms, background sounds | ~2 hours (latest models) |
Survivability Standards
| Parameter | Standard |
|---|---|
| Impact force | Up to ~3,400 g |
| Temperature resistance | ~1,100°C for 30–60 minutes |
| Deep-sea pressure | 6,000 m depth |
| Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB) | Emits signals for ~30 days |
| Colour | Bright orange (not black) |
- Adopt real-time data streaming / “virtual black boxes”
- Strengthen indigenous crash investigation labs
- Improve pilot training using recorder-based simulations
- Periodic upgrades of recorder technology
- Black box colour = bright orange
- Two parts: DFDR + CVR
- Mandated by ICAO
- ULB works ~30 days underwater
- CVR stores ~2 hours audio
- AAIB is India’s crash investigation body
- Purpose = safety, not punishment
- Human factors contribute to ~70–80% of aviation accidents
1. They are bright orange in colour.
2. They consist of DFDR and CVR.
3. They are mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Which of the above is/are correct?
“Flight recorders are the backbone of modern aviation safety architecture.” Discuss their role in accident investigation and future improvements needed.
Framework to Regulate AI in Healthcare
India has unveiled a national framework to regulate AI in healthcare, covering the full AI lifecycle — from data collection to real-world deployment — shifting from pilot projects to full governance. India is among early movers in the Global South to build structured Health-AI governance.
- Voluntary ethics → institutional oversight
- Standardised evaluation protocols
- Reduces regulatory grey zones
- AI in diagnostics & triage
- Telemedicine & resource allocation
- Addresses doctor shortage
- Indigenous AI models
- Data sovereignty
- Builds on ABDM datasets
- Consent & privacy
- Bias mitigation
- Explainability
- Prevents algorithmic discrimination
Challenges
Data quality variability across states; cybersecurity threats to health data; low AI literacy among healthcare workers; risk of over-reliance on algorithms; and rural digital divide limiting equitable benefits.
- Establish independent AI-health audit authorities
- Ensure strong DPDP Act compliance
- Capacity building for doctors on AI tools
- Public-private-academic collaboration
- Continuous dataset updating and inclusion
- ABDM launched 2020
- National Health Policy year 2017
- ABDM uses Health IDs & registries
- AI in health requires validation before deployment
- Framework covers full AI lifecycle — data to deployment
“AI in healthcare requires governance as much as innovation.” Discuss the need and features of India’s AI-health regulatory framework.
AI Glasses for Visually Impaired: “Seeing Through Sound”
AIIMS and partners are deploying AI-powered smart glasses that convert visual inputs into spoken feedback, enabling visually impaired persons to interpret surroundings through sound. The device uses real-time object recognition + text-to-speech technology.
- Reads medicine labels & signboards
- Recognises objects & currency
- Indoor & outdoor navigation
- Hands-free design
- Cost ~₹35,000/unit
- Computer vision
- NLP + text-to-speech
- Edge AI processing
- Real-time object recognition
- Enhances dignity & independence
- Reduces caregiver dependency
- SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities
- RPwD Act 2016 alignment
- Affordability for mass adoption
- Multilingual training data needed
- Battery life & durability
- Privacy concerns (cameras)
Key Data
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visually impaired in India | ~11 million (blindness/severe impairment) |
| Leading cause of blindness | Cataract |
| Other causes | Diabetic retinopathy, Glaucoma, Age-related macular degeneration |
| Device cost | ~₹35,000/unit |
| Distribution model | Subsidised/free under Project Drishti |
- Integrate under Ayushman Bharat assistive device coverage
- Promote domestic manufacturing for cost reduction
- AI training on Indian languages and environments
- Public-private partnerships for scale
- Strong data-privacy safeguards
- RPwD Act enacted in 2016
- Assistive AI uses computer vision + text-to-speech
- Cataract = leading cause of blindness in India
- UNCRPD relates to disability rights
- India has ~11 million with blindness/severe visual impairment
1. Computer Vision
2. Blockchain
3. Natural Language Processing
4. Text-to-Speech
Select the correct answer:
“Assistive AI can transform disability inclusion from welfare to empowerment.” Discuss with reference to AI-based tools for the visually impaired.
